The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 paired a midsize pickup’s footprint with serious factory trail hardware: specialized Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear electronic locking differentials, extra ground clearance, and underbody protection. That equipment helps explain why Chevrolet pitched it as an unusually capable trail truck—but the available figures do not prove it performs like a full-size truck in a controlled comparison.
What makes the Colorado ZR2 different from a regular Colorado?
The ZR2 was a factory-built off-road version of the second-generation Colorado, not simply a standard truck with tires and accessories added. Chevrolet’s 2018 Colorado ZR2 Chevy Truck Playbook says its track was four inches wider and its ground clearance two inches higher than the base Colorado.
Chevrolet also fitted revised bumpers, rocker protection, skid plates, and electronic locking differentials at both axles. Locking the front and rear differentials can help maintain traction when a wheel loses grip on uneven terrain. The playbook contrasted this arrangement with the rear-only locker in the Tacoma TRD Pro comparison it cited; that is Chevrolet’s period manufacturer comparison, not an independent ranking of the trucks.
How do the ZR2’s Multimatic DSSV shocks work?
The signature suspension feature was Multimatic’s Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers. Rather than use one damping setup for every situation, their position-sensitive design was intended to combine composed everyday behavior with extra control during extreme off-road suspension compression.
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In a November 16, 2016 launch release describing the 2017 Colorado ZR2, Multimatic explained the damper layout: two spool valves in each damper handle everyday compression and rebound damping, while a third, piston-mounted spool valve adds compression damping under extreme off-road use. The 2016 release concerns the 2017 launch model; the power and capacity figures below come from Chevrolet’s 2018 materials.
Multimatic says development testing and tuning began at GM’s Milford Proving Ground before moving to California’s Mojave Desert and GM’s Arizona Desert Proving Ground. That describes the development program, not an independent comparison test. At launch, Chevrolet executive Mark Reuss described the intended versatility this way: “You can go rock crawling on Saturday, desert running on Sunday, and comfortably drive to work on Monday.”
Rank #2
- Design: According to your original car, the hood protector is suitable for 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Chevrolet Colorado LT/WT/Z71/ZR2 both Crew Cab and Extended Cab. Note: not fit 2023-2025 models, please check carefully before purchasing
- Material: Our hood shield is crafted from a high-performance composite material, which integrates specialized UV-resistant components into a TPE base. This formulation significantly enhances resistance to UV rays, oxidation, and fading, ensuring the product's color and structural integrity are maintained over time, even with prolonged exposure to sunlight and harsh environmental conditions
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- Installation: Before installation, wipe down the car body and apply the adhesion promoter provided by us at the installation site. The protector comes with double-sided tape, allowing you to directly stick and securely fix it in place. We also have installation video for your reference. Two tips: 1. In low temperature, a hair dryer can be used to improve the adhesion of thermal double-sided tape. 2. Avoid water contact for at least 24 hours after application
- Warranty: If your Chevy Colorado bug shield is broken during shipping or normal use within 30 days, we can arrange a new one for free
Can a midsize Colorado ZR2 handle trails like a full-size truck?
The ZR2’s equipment makes the comparison understandable: it had a wider track, increased ground clearance, front and rear lockers, and purpose-designed dampers, while remaining a midsize pickup. Those are meaningful trail-oriented differences from a base Colorado. They do not establish that it matches a full-size truck’s off-road performance; the manufacturer sources cited here provide no controlled full-size-versus-midsize test.
Its trail setup also came with a practical choice for spare-tire placement. Chevrolet’s 2018 Colorado catalog lists an optional bed-mounted full-size spare carrier intended to provide more rear clearance on steep terrain. Confirm model year, cab and bed fitment, and availability before buying one.
Rank #3
- Direct Replacement without Trim: This License plate Bracket is direct replacement accessories for Chevrolet Colorado 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020, for GMC Canyon 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
- High Quality Material: The license plate holder is made of high quality ABS plastic, rust-proof, anti-wear, & corrosion-resistant, front license plate bracket Is strong and durable
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- Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Kit: Contains tools and accessories needed in the installation process. Note: This is the front license plate bracket, not for the rear
- Packing list: 1 x Front License Plate Bracket Replacement for Chevrolet Colorado, for GMC Canyon, 1 x Front License Plate Bracket Mounting Kit
What engines and capability figures did Chevrolet list for 2018?
Chevrolet’s 2018 catalog lists a 3.6-liter V6 rated at 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, as well as an available 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel rated at 369 lb-ft. These are manufacturer specifications, not independently measured results.
| Figure | What it applies to | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 308 hp; 275 lb-ft | 3.6-liter V6 | Chevrolet, 2018 Colorado catalog |
| 369 lb-ft | Available 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel | Chevrolet, 2018 Colorado catalog |
| Up to 5,000 lb towing; 1,100 lb payload | Standard V6 configuration | Chevrolet, 2018 Colorado ZR2 Playbook |
The towing and payload figures are for the standard V6 configuration, according to Chevrolet’s 2018 playbook; they should not be applied automatically to every engine or equipment combination. Check the specific truck’s ratings and configuration when evaluating a particular vehicle.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
- 2017 Colorado ZR2 Pickup Truck - 37517 Showcasts Model Vehicle
- 1/27 Scale Collectible Model Pickup Truck
- This is a 7.75"L x 2.75"W x 2.75"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
- Freewheeling And Openable Doors
- 1 Car, No Box
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